Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 18, Number 8, 1 August 2001 — Arizona paʻahao [ARTICLE]

Arizona paʻahao

On June 1 1, we held our second Hawaiian celebration here at the Florence Correctional Center in Arizona, honoring King Kamehameha I. In 110 degree weather. everything went very well with protocol, speeches, prayers, chants, hula and music by "Kawela" and "Hana Nona Iho." The threehour event gave us "pa'ahao" another ehanee to practice our culture and share it with the people of Arizona who work here. Many negative things have been happening here causing lock-downs and even greater restrictions, but we try to make the best of this bad situation. In the learning and practice of our culture, we find healing and strength. That day we had kālua pig and cabbage, ehieken lū'au (with spinach), rice, sweet potato, haupia and more. The guys in the kitchen work real hard, and the food was 'ono. The most important thing for us pa'ahao is that we leam our roots, reconnect and practice who truly are. We eome from a solid and proud heritage. It doesn't matter if they ship us off to Mozambique or Timbucktoo - we will continue in our culture anjl strive as Hawaiians. Mahalo to everyone who helped and participated. Kaleihau Kamau'u Kamuela Kalilikāne Florence, AZ